by Peter Carlson | Feb 24, 2022 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This is the second of a series entitled “How Do You Want to Live Your Life?”, with a focus on disorders of mood–anxiety and depression–which are increasing as a percentage of people are stressed by the multiple disruptions in normal life over the last several years. Peter’s 30+ year career as a mindfulness-based psychotherapist brings his experience to the descriptions of how the body and mind are affected, followed by discussion regarding how regular mindfulness of breathing meditation practice can overcome these dysfunctional ways of living.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Mindful Coping with Distress and Confusion
The focus for the next talk will describe how contemporary consumer culture creates a variety of “addictions”, both substance related as well as behavioral. The talk will also describe how the principles and practices of Buddhism can effectively address these issues.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:06:06 — 60.5MB)
by Peter Carlson | Mar 3, 2022 | Listen to Dharma Talks
In this talk, part of the series “How Do You Want To Live?”, the focus is on how prevalent addiction is in American culture, especially if “behavioral addictions” involving the internet, gambling, overeating, etc., are included. During the talk, the correlation between the Buddhist craving and clinging concept and contemporary scientific understanding of how the brain operates “addictively” is emphasized, and how the effects that practicing mindfulness of breathing meditation can be of great benefit in overcoming addiction. The 11th step of the recovery oriented 12 steps, such as found in Alcoholics Anonymous, involving daily meditation and prayer, is correlated with basic mindfulness meditation practices.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: BUDDHISM AND ADDICTION NOTES
The focus for the next talk will focus on any broadly unbeneficial effects of consumerism as a follow-up to this talk, and how Buddhist principles and practices can contribute to building a more adaptive and spiritual lifestyle.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 51:24 — 47.1MB)
by Peter Carlson | Aug 29, 2024 | Listen to Dharma Talks
Peter has decided to open one meeting each month to discussion in response to any questions or observations by the participants at that meeting, focusing on Dharma and practice oriented issues. Questions and comments focused on the importance that the practice of mindfulness of feelings, along with the role of concentration in the practice of vipassana, insight into the conditioned nature of experience. Peter shared some insights he experienced on a retreat that revealed the moment-by-moment arising and passing away of mental phenomena, and the powerful impact it has had on his dedication to daily, diligent mindfulness of breathing meditation.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 55:35 — 50.9MB)
by Peter Carlson | May 8, 2025 | Listen to Dharma Talks
The mindful investigation and effective management of intention is considered to be a primary goal of meditation practice, beginning with the intention to aim attention on the changing sensations occurring while practicing mindfulness of breathing meditation. During this guided contemplation Peter suggests various ways to cultivate mindfulness of two ways that intention manifests, focused on cognitive processes and focused on behavior.
This meditation is intended to be supportive of the information that is provided during the Dharma talk that follows, titled “Intention Creates the Self”.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 45:02 — 41.2MB)
by Peter Carlson | Jul 16, 2026 | Listen to Dharma Talks
This is the first of two talks on the importance of anapanasati (mindfulness of breathing meditation) for training the mind to realize the concepts described in the Four Noble Truths and Satipatthana (Four Foundations of Mindfulness). During the talk, Peter reviews these teachings and also describes how contemporary psychological insights on Operant Conditioning can be associated with anapanasati practice on the path toward Awakening.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Anapanasati In Relationship with Satipatthana
Here is Analayo’s translation of the Anapanasati Sutta: Anapanasati Sutta translated by Analayo
Next week, Peter will lead a guided 45 minute meditation, focused on anapanasati practice. During the talk afterwards, participants will have the opportunity to talk to Peter about their anapanasati experience and he will provide feedback based on their comments.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 59:33 — 54.5MB)
